Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Diesel Discussion

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 05-14-2003, 11:34 PM
jassz's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Posts: 402
Question How likely is it for the transmission to fail without any warning signs?

Our 'main' car has 275,000miles on it, which I understand means the transmission could be coming to the end of it's 'life'. It is shifting okay (timing may be a little off) and I don't see any leaks. But, a mechanic told us that she once experienced a transmission failure without any warning signs. She started the car, drove 3 miles and pffft. That was it. I know other people (with cars other than MB's) have said that the first 'big clue' of transmission trouble is when it fails to go in to reverse. This seems more common that total failure out of the blue.

Opinions?? We do have a parts car, but we'd probably have to hire someone to change it over. And if something ain't broke, should I fix it??

__________________
Natalie
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 05-15-2003, 12:12 AM
86560SEL's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: east Tennessee (southeast USA)
Posts: 3,015
I agree- most transmissions will show warning signs well before they completely go. Such as slipping, or harsh shifting. Sometimes they will slip or act strange for 1000s of miles before going out. Never heard of one just work fine, then go out completely. Perhaps the linkage came loose?
__________________
2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4wd
1991 Lincoln Town Car Executive
1991 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1988 Mercedes 300SEL
1972 Chevrolet Caprice Kingswood Estate 9-passenger wagon
1973 Pontiac Grand Ville
(Prior MB's: 1974 240D, 1985 380SE, 1984 190D, 1993 400SEL)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 05-15-2003, 12:31 AM
123c
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
If the tourque converter and front pump go out at the same time like on my car (which is rare) then yes it can happen. It's way cheaper to buy a used transmission($700+$75 shipping) than to buy the pump($700) and tourque converter ($200+).
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 05-15-2003, 06:51 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: GB
Posts: 220
I have heard of a sudden failure scenario. The car suddenly fails to engage any forward gears, or slips really bad when trying to go forward, but reverse is just fine. This is the dreaded B2 piston failure that can occur on early 80s trannys. It can be prevented by installing the improved piston used in later models. I suspect a lot of bad trannies could have been put back in service with this $100 part.

I had shifting problems with my 84SD when I got it. When warmed up it would suddenly slip when upshifting and end up between gears. Forward motion would stop and the trans would free wheel a bit then suddenly kick in. Cleaning a clogged pressure line to the Alda, adjusting the bowden, and exercising the modulator with a Mityvac a few times and the problem went away.

Jerry
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 05-15-2003, 07:57 AM
R Leo's Avatar
Stella!
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: En te l'eau Rant
Posts: 5,393
Talking Trans Probs



How is this any different than the 'normal' operation of a MBZ automatic that's bolted onto the back of an OM? ROFLMAO!!!!

Seriously, I've read elsewhere on the forum that the 'front clutch pack' is a weak link in the drive line and can fail without warning. While I can make an educated guess about it, I honestly do not know what a front clutch pack really is.

The trannies in my two MBZs each have their own unique set of operational quirks. They shift completely differently from one another and shift differently when cold as opposed to hot.

Marlene has fewer miles than Lilly but has a distinct (and sometimes hair-raisingly long) delay when put into reverse. Lilly, on the other hand shifts jarringly hard the first few times she goes into second gear each day. After those first few shifts though, she's smooth as silk from then on.

I chalk these behaviors up to whal I call "20+ year old European car strangeness".

Probably, the most important thing is to calibrate to the shifting habits of your particular vehicle and be aware of any changes that occur.

Best regards,
R Leo
__________________
Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Last edited by R Leo; 05-15-2003 at 10:33 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 05-15-2003, 07:54 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Richmond, BC Canada
Posts: 426
Someone told me that the transmission in the W123 (like my 300D) is basically a Chrysler Torqueflight. Is there any truth to that?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 06-21-2003, 10:01 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 14
Yes..

I own a '91 190E 2.3 with the 733.408 tranny.
I had an out of the blue failure with only 112k miles on it.
Just like R Leo said, in my case the B2 band went out. I'm assuming that's considered part of the "front clutch pack" R Leo mentioned.


I could go forward, but not reverse. The B2 Piston on slightly older model 190E's and other benzes seems to be a sudden problem too. In my case, I was hoping the b2 piston would be damaged, but it was perfect. The b2 band had worn out.
So if you're wondering if you should just replace or rebuild before it leaves you stranded, I'd say definitely if you've got the money. I got stranded in the desert and had to hitchhike 200 miles. It sucked!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 06-22-2003, 03:42 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Phoenix Arizona. Ex Durban R.S.A.
Posts: 6,104
Chrysler Torqueflite

Ducati.

I've heard that Mercedes Auto Tranny's were inspired by a GM tranny from an abandond half track that an Mercedes engineer was messing around with just after WWII. I have no idea if that's true or not. I would be very surprised if 123 tranny's had anything to do with Chrysler. It seems that at that point in Mercedes history the only contact with Chrysler was with the obscene Autotemp II HVAC system with which American spec Mercedes were saddled.

- Peter.
__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 06-22-2003, 09:22 AM
Jim B+
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Happened to me...

tranny on 240D failed right out of the blue. Shop replaced three years ago for $1500. No problems since.

Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:09 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page